TTC Brother vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Brother clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch are both exceptional options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. The Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation, providing a satisfyingly crunchy sound signature that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Tangerine offers an incredibly smooth typing experience with a high-pitched clack, thanks to its UHWMPE housings. While the Brother is known for its 'Crunchy', 'Easy-to-press', 'Stepped' characteristics, the Tangerine is praised for being 'Frictionless', 'Buttery', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished'. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Brother and the TKC Tangerine switches provide unique characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Brother's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE top housing offers a bright and resonant clack when typing. In contrast, the Brother's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to a bright sound signature.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the TTC Brother and the TKC Tangerine switches, they both offer distinct advantages in terms of sound quality and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother enhances the clarity and resonant sound, similar to the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine, which provides a bright and lively sound signature. While the nylon bottom housing of the Brother creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine delivers a resonant clack when typing.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the TTC Brother and the TKC Tangerine switches results in a unique typing experience with a variety of sound profiles. Each switch utilizes specific materials in the top and bottom housing to achieve distinct sound characteristics, such as sharper and crisper sounds from polycarbonate and a bright sound signature from UHWMPE. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate and softer nylon of the Brother or the newer UHWMPE material of the Tangerine, both switches offer enhanced sound profiles and tactile feedback for an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Brother clicky switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the TKC Tangerine linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Tangerine switch is 62 grams, giving it a heavier feel compared to the Brother switch, for which the bottom out force is not specified. The Brother switch is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Tangerine switch is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial push feel for typing. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing feedback and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Brother clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the TKC Tangerine linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Tangerine switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Brother switch. The difference may seem small, but it can impact the overall typing experience. The shorter travel distance of the Brother switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Tangerine switch may provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own benefits based on individual preferences, so choosing between them would depend on the desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a satisfyingly crunchy sound that resonates with each key press, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy the crisp clicking feedback characteristic of clicky switches. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched clack, providing a sharp and distinct sound profile that may cater to those who prefer a more pronounced sound with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the Brother switch offers an easy-to-press experience with a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and comfortable while still providing a distinct tactile bump for feedback. The Tangerine linear switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience, with UHWMPE housings contributing to a smooth and polished keystroke. The Tangerine switch's unique feel may appeal to those who value smooth and seamless typing experiences.
Overall, while the TTC Brother clicky switch and TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in their respective categories. Whether you prefer the crunchy click of the Brother switch or the smooth, polished feel of the Tangerine switch, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that is sure to elevate your keyboarding enjoyment. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a light and tactile feedback with a satisfyingly crunchy sound, then the Brother switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound profile, the Tangerine switch would be an excellent option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and whether you value a clicky or linear switch for your mechanical keyboard setup. Choose wisely and enjoy the tactile sensation of your chosen switch!
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